Italian Coffee

Espresso, caffè normale, cappuccino; sometimes it seems that there are as many types of coffee in Italy as there are pastas. And just like pasta, Italian coffee is an art form with many customs and traditions. Whether it's a caffè corretto thrown back like a shot, a cappuccino and brioche for breakfast, or a granita di caffè con panna to cool off from the hot midday sun, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.
The Perfect Tazza
Want to start a heated discussion in Italy? Ask a group of friends how to make a perfect cup of stove top espresso! There are fully automatic espresso makers, pump driven espresso machines, lever piston espresso machines, and, of course, the classic aluminum espresso coffee maker (also called a moka pot or The Moka Express), which was invented in the 1930's.
Italian coffee tifosi in search of the perfect cup will also debate various factors such as bean type, blade vs. burr grinders, tamp pressure, water temperature, and humidity. Caffeine junkies not only have their favorite local torrefazione (coffee house), but even prefer certain baristi because of their ability to deliver a perfect caffè espresso.
'S' Marks the Pot (of Coffee)
No one expects a first-time visitor to Italy to trill their r's like a native Italian speaker. But if you don't want to be labeled maleducato, when ordering a coffee in Italy it's espresso, not expresso. Both will quicken your heart rate, but an expresso is a fast train and an espresso is a small cup of very strong coffee. And caffè (with two f's) is both the beverage and the locale that serves it.
What kind of coffee should you order in a caffè? The possibilities can be as daunting as a Starbucks menu. Below is a list of the most popular caffeine-laden drinks. Keep in mind too, Italians generally don't drink coffee with any meal except breakfast. Coffee is often ordered after a meal, and—che vergogna!—only the unwitting tourist will order a cappuccino in a restaurant after lunch or dinnerLavazza Qualita Oro Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, 8.8-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4) When ordering an after-dinner coffee, do not ask for an espresso, ask for "un caffè, per favore."
Italian Vocabulary List: Coffee

• caffè (espresso)—a small cup of very strong coffee, i.e., espresso
• caffè Americano—American-style coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large cup
• caffè corretto—coffee "corrected" with a shot of grappa, cognac, or other spirit
• caffè doppio—double espresso
• caffè freddo—iced coffee
• caffè Hag—decaffeinated coffee
• caffè latte—hot milk mixed with coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
• caffè macchiato—espresso "stained" with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino
• caffè marocchino—espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
• caffè stretto—espresso with less water; rocket fuel!
• cappuccino—espresso infused with steamed milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
• granita di caffè con panna—frozen, iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it authentic) and topped with whipped cream

How to Enjoy Coffee

Many people ask me how to enjoy a cup of coffee? Basically, the correct way to enjoy coffee is if coffee can be a pleasure for you. The wrong way is if coffee makes you feel uncomfortable. For example, if you need to finish the job all night, drinking coffee will keep you awake. Well, You Need to remember that coffee contains toxins called caffeine. Like drugs, caffeine can be healthful as well as hurt us. Too much caffeine can cause health problems, such as high blood pressure, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Another mistake is letting your kids drink coffee instead of other nutritious beverages that children need. Caffeine in coffee can be dangerous for children who are still growing. Caffeine can steal calcium from bones, and can make a child's bones become brittle.

This is the recommended way of drinking coffee: Drinking more often in small doses. Simply drink a quarter cup of coffee every hour. If you drink it to prevent drowsiness, this method is more effective than if you drank a large mug.

Fill your belly first. Lie when it was said that drinking coffee could eliminate hunger, which makes you feel full or Milk Sugar content is contained in your coffee. That just makes your stomach bloated. Instead you should eat before drinking coffee.

You do not need to drink coffee when:

   1.
      You feel restless or palpitations after drinking coffee.
   2.
      You're having trouble sleeping (insomnia).
   3.
      Do you have a problem with the stomach, or disturbances in digestion.
   4.
      You are taking a cold or headache medicine that also mengadung caffeine. This would exceed the quota of caffeine is safe.

Enjoy your coffee

Coffee Cup Power Inverter

Like a caffeine boost for your electronics!


When you start to feel a little low on energy you can turn to that terrific alkaloid, caffeine. Available from many sources like Bawls and, of course, that tried and true hot beverage, coffee. Reaching for your coffee cup to get an energy boost when you're tired is pretty much second nature. Well, now your gadgets can turn to a coffee cup of their own when they need an energy recharge.
The Coffee Cup Power Inverter is a conveniently shaped power source that coverts your car's DC power into two 120-volt AC outlets. Perfect for powering or charging TV's, DVD players, game consoles, cell phones, and other portable electronics. This coffee cup also has a USB charging port providing 500mA of power. The unique coffee cup shape fits nicely in today's auto/boat/truck cup holders, preventing it from moving around inside your vehicle.

• 200 Watt inverter with 2 AC plugs and USB power port
• Provides 120 Volt AC power from any cigarette lighter socket
• 200W continuous/400W peak
• Fits into standard cup holders
• 18" cord
• Overload protection and low battery shut-off
• Power 3 devices at once
• One year warranty
• Dimensions: 6" tall x 3.5" dia